Powers, Don

Don Powers, 71, our beloved husband and father, passed away on October 24, 2016.

Don leaves behind the love of his life, his wife of 53 years, Joyce (Stringer) Powers; his son,

Tom Powers and his wife Tess; daughter, Jennifer Hernandez and her husband Anthony; daughter, Rebecca Mulligan and her husband Bob. Don had seven grandchildren, Ellie Powers, Emily Powers, Adriana Hernandez, Chloe Hernandez, Bo Mulligan, Mark Mulligan, and Ava Mulligan. He has one beloved great-granddaughter, Sarina Gilbert.

Don was preceded in death by his grandsons, James Mulligan and Tommy Powers.

Don was born in Slaton, TX on January 20, 1945 to parents, George Leon and Nellie Jo Powers. Don was the second oldest of five children. He leaves behind brothers, David Powers and Jack Powers; sisters, Kindred Murillo and Fran Lorz. Don is survived by his father, George Leon Powers and Tommie Senne.

Don, an Electrical Engineer, dedicated his professional life to the development of satellite systems, and was particularly passionate about his work on GPS systems, space shuttle program, moon shots, and guidance systems. Don was the recipient of multiple awards and recognition from NASA, including the Apollo Achievement Award. He retired as the Vice President of Engineering for Goodrich Aerospace.

An avid golfer, Don was a long time member of the Tanoan Country Club. He enjoyed a good game of golf on a beautiful New Mexico afternoon. His children and grandchildren have fond memories of time spent together on the golf course, learning to drive his golf cart, how to swing a club, and partnering in a best ball tournament. When not on the golf course, Don could be found playing gin with his friends at the club. Don was always active, and created a life of fun for his family. Many weekends were spent on the slopes of Purgatory Mountain Resort skiing, where he never hesitated to challenge his kids to a race.

Don and Joyce enjoyed traveling the world together, with some of their favorite memories being made in Australia and the Greek Isles.

Services will be held on Friday, October 28, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Tanoan Country Club, 10801 Academy Road NE, Albuquerque. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Don’s name to The Alzheimer’s Association, 9500 Montgomery NE, Suite 121, Albuquerque, NM 87111.

Please visit our online guestbook for Don at

FRENCH - Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE 505.823.9400 www.frenchfunerals.com

www.FrenchFunerals.com